90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
Join Chris Clarke as he explores the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.
A podcast dedicated to desert conservation
90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast engages listeners in the fight for the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems through illuminating conversations with experts and advocates. Discover the intersection of science, culture, and conservation today.
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23
July 24, 2026
S5E23: Beyond Laws: Building a Movement to Save Our Deserts
We highlight the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle crucial environmental laws and discuss a more community-centric approach to advocacy for the desert. Want to help? Share this episode with your people.
22
July 17, 2026
S5E22: Morgan Sjogren on the War on Utah's National Monuments
This episode covers recent threats to Utah's Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments under the Trump administration. We talk to Morgan Sjogren, an author and expert on the landscapes in question, to discuss the impact of proposed reductions and potential resource extraction.
21
July 10, 2026
S5E21: Don't Mine 29! Australian Company Threatens Joshua Tree
Host Chris Clarke talks with Chance Wilcox from the National Parks Conservation Association about plans by an Australian mining firm to develop a massive rare earth elements mine near Joshua Tree National Park.
20
July 3, 2026
S5E20: Our Love for Fireworks Could Harm the Desert
Dive into the startling statistics linking fireworks (and not just gender reveal parties) to ignitions, while unraveling the ecological consequences in desert habitats.
19
June 26, 2026
S5E19: Greenlink West Carves a Costly Path Through Wild Nevada
Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the environmental impacts of data centers on Nevada's deserts. Chris, along with guests Laura Cunningham and Kevin Emmerich from Basin and Range Watch, discuss the construction of Greenlink West transmission project and discuss its potential economic motivations and environmental consequences. Discover the startling link between renewable energy infrastructure and hyperscale data centers, and learn about the local ecosystems under threat. This episode offers
18
June 19, 2026
S5E18: Desert Heat: Who Really Pays the Price?
Chris Clarke dives into the dangers of extreme heat in desert environments, offering crucial safety tips for hikers, bikers, and climbers. He contrasts these recreational challenges with the dire realities faced by incarcerated individuals, outdoor laborers, and migrants who endure heat with limited options. Clarke highlights notable cases of heat-related deaths and the disparities in media coverage.
17
June 12, 2026
S5E17: The Desert Needs Our Voice and We Need Your Help
* Transparency about the challenges of maintaining the podcast underlines the need for a supportive and engaged community.
May 27, 2026
Short Update: Explaining Our Brief Hiatus
Content note: sadness. Due to the death of a close family member, we will return on June 5. Listen if you want a few details.
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